Hunt Takes Decisive Action

Bush & Gerts, Chicago

Merry And Happy

A Trip Downtown

 Took a quick trip downtown Friday night just to see what I could see.  The Folly was in full lit regalia with a play about to begin.  Below, the Cathedral Dome with lights from nearby.  

 Barney Allis Plaza is normally all bright with its tree lights this time of year, but, wouldn't you know, they were off.  

 Super wide angles distort something fierce... but, sometimes it adds drama...

 Above, never have gotten used to the Bartle doodads...  I guess I'll live.  

 Above, Folly closeup, below, 40s style black and white.

Adorning The Boulevard

Indian Mound Under A Blanket

Stars

 Taking shots of the heavens is an inexact science.  A lot of trial and error.  Last night I went to the top of Indian Mound and set up tripod and camera hoping for a meteor or two.  In the middle of the city is not ideal for celestial shooting; the ambient light is ridiculously high.   One can, however, get reasonable results.   Above is the view of the Indian Mound Neighborhood... a little under 180 degrees.  Below is a shot looking straight up into the night sky.   F7.1,  ASA 2500, 3 seconds, 24mm, processed normally in Photoshop.

Historic Northeast Mansions - Volume 8- Townley Manor

              Townley Manor, designed by Root and Siemens, was built in 1901 for prominent businessman
                   James P. Townley.   It is located right across the street east of the Kansas City Museum.

 There are rich exotic woods throughout the home....   these shots are from the first floor.  Above, the entry hall just inside the massive front door.

                                                   Above, looking west into the parlor.

 Behind the main staircase is a marvelous nook ...  with fireplace.  All the windows are original.

 The parlor looking east toward the Kansas City Museum, above..  below the parlor looking north..all pocket doors are fully functional and intact. 

 Parlor looking southwest toward Gladstone Boulevard and the front entry hall... please note cate in the foreground. Below, one of four fireplaces on the first floor.  There are two on the second floor.

 Above, entry hall looking into the dining room.  

 Above and below, the dining room.  The woodwork includes burnt english oak and mahogany. 

 Mr. Townley owned Townley Metal and Hardware Company... custom hardware throughout the home came from his sources.

 The kitchen has been completely remodeled .

 Off the kitchen is the home-office with views of the Museum grounds.

 Above, servants stairs to second floor.  Below, sitting area next to the parlor.  The large pocket door on the left can be opened to create one large room.

 Above, another view of the "nook."   Below, newly remodeled first floor bathroom.

 Above, stairway to second floor and, below, windows on the landing..

Below, the east side of the home.  Townley Manor has 5400 square feet of living space with 4 bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths.   

This home just came on the market...  http://www.ericbsellskc.com

Pond Visitors

Nothing particularly unusual visits the pond... at least while I'm looking at it... and particularly if I'm looking at it holding a camera.

Thanks to John P Cooper in St. Louis for the identifications.

All shots taken with the Nikon D800 and 80-400mm lens.

Above, Robin.   Below, Starling

Above, gray squirrel... I have about 5 of them hanging around at any one time.  Below, juvenile Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker with plumage changing to adult.

more squirrels

                                            Above, Starling    Below, I think you know.

                                          Robin with a fledgling that still knows how to beg.

                                                                       Female Cowbird